Dermatology Pharmacology

Question 1

What are the side effects of topical steroids?

Answer 1

Thinning/atrophy
Striae 
Bruising 
Hirsutism
Telangiectasia 
Acne/rosacea/perioral dermatitis 
Glaucoma 
Systemic absorption 
Cataracts

Question 2

What are the three kinds of systemic treatment in dermatology?

Answer 2

Retinoids
Immunosuppressants
Biologics (also immunosuppressive)

Question 3

What conditions are retinoids useful in?

Answer 3

Acne
Psoriasis
Cutaneous T cell lymphoma
Hand eczema

Question 4

What are the side effects of retinoids?

Answer 4

Teratogenic
Cheilitis (dry lips)
Xerosis (dry skin)
Rarely psychiatric, eye and bone SEs

Question 5

What are the main side effects of immunosuppressants and how are these counteracted?

Answer 5

Risk of malignancy and serious infection

Need regular blood test monitoring

Question 6

What can biologics be used for?

Answer 6

Plaque psoriasis
Chronic spontaneous urticaria
Eczema

Question 7

What are the main risk factors when prescribing biologics?

Answer 7

Risk of infection
Risk of malignancy
Risk of demyelination